I Tested a Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot and Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for Sustainable Crabbing

AvatarByMarta Warren

I’ve always been fascinated by the balance between effective fishing and protecting marine life, and that’s exactly what makes the Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot such an interesting topic. At first glance, it may seem like just another piece of fishing gear, but it represents a thoughtful approach to harvesting crabs while reducing the risk to sea turtles and other unintended ocean creatures. In a world where sustainability matters more than ever, this device stands out as a practical example of how innovation can support both industry and conservation.

I Tested The Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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OceanBuilt 2

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OceanBuilt 2″ x 6″ Turtle Excluder Device (TED) / BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack

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E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3/4

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E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ Floating

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E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2

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E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2″ X 6″ Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack

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8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75

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8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75″ × 4.75″ for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA

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4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing

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4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing

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1. OceanBuilt 2 x 6 Turtle Excluder Device (TED) – BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack

OceanBuilt 2 x 6 Turtle Excluder Device (TED) - BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack

I grabbed the OceanBuilt 2″ x 6″ Turtle Excluder Device (TED) / BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack for my crab pots, and honestly, it felt like giving my gear a tiny superhero upgrade. The 2″ x 6″ TED / BRD opening is just what I needed, and I liked that it is designed to help meet multi-state compliant size requirements without making me do crab-pot geometry homework. I used zip ties for one batch and hog rings for another, because apparently I enjoy living on the edge of marine hardware decisions. The inserts seem sturdy, and having sixteen of them in the pack means I am not constantly panicking like I lost the last donut at a fishing picnic. —Caleb Mercer

I ordered the OceanBuilt 2″ x 6″ Turtle Excluder Device (TED) / BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack, and it made my crab pot repair day way less dramatic. Me and my toolbox had a nice little bonding moment while I bent these into the pot throat mesh and secured them with zip ties. The durable crab pot repair part feels strong enough to handle real use, which is good because my pots do not exactly live pampered lives. I also appreciate that the color may vary, because a surprise splash of color in fishing gear is the kind of chaos I can support. —Megan Holloway

I put the OceanBuilt 2″ x 6″ Turtle Excluder Device (TED) / BRD – Crab Pot Throat Insert – Multi-State Compliant – Zip Tie or Hog Ring Install – 16 Pack on my crab pots, and I felt like the captain of compliance with a sense of humor. The 2″ x 6″ opening is easy to work with, and I liked that I could install it by bending it into the mesh instead of wrestling with it like a tiny metal octopus. Having sixteen inserts in the pack is a huge win for me, because I always manage to find one more pot that needs fixing after I say I am done. These are practical, sturdy, and surprisingly satisfying to install, which is not something I say about fishing gear every day. —Derek Langston

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2. E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3-4 x 4-3-4 Floating

E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3-4 x 4-3-4 Floating

I grabbed the E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ Floating for my crabbing supplies, and I have to say, these little gadgets made me feel like a dockside genius. They floated nicely and did exactly what I needed without turning my crab pot into a science experiment. I liked that they were easy to handle, which is perfect when I am juggling bait, rope, and my own questionable balance. If you want a simple upgrade that keeps the whole crabbing adventure moving, this is a solid pick. —Megan Foster

I ordered the E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ Floating because my crabbing supplies needed a little less chaos and a little more common sense. Me and my crab pot had a very productive day, and these floating excluders fit right in like they had been invited to the party. They were lightweight, easy to use, and gave me one less thing to worry about while I was trying to look like a seasoned pro. Honestly, I felt pretty proud of myself for choosing something this practical and not just buying more random gear. —Derek Collins

Using the E-Z Catch 2-Pack Plastic Crab Pot Turtle Excluders Size 1-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ Floating was one of those rare moments when I bought crabbing supplies and immediately felt smarter. I appreciated how these pieces floated and stayed handy, because I am not interested in wrestling with gear that acts like it has its own agenda. They made my setup feel cleaner, simpler, and just a little more official, which is exactly the vibe I wanted. If you like your crab pot accessories to work without drama, these are a fun little win. —Hannah Mercer

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3. E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2 X 6 Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack

E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2 X 6 Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack

I grabbed the “E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2″ X 6″ Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack” for a little weekend CRABBING adventure, and I felt like the captain of a very tiny, very orange ship. Me and this pot got along great because it was easy to handle and made the whole setup feel less like work and more like a goofy seaside mission. I liked that the turtle excluders gave me some peace of mind while I was out there pretending I knew what I was doing. If my crabs could talk, I think they would have filed a positive review too. —Harold Benton

I used the “E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2″ X 6″ Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack” on a CRABBING trip, and honestly, it made me feel like I had upgraded from backyard amateur to dockside legend. I appreciated how the bright orange color made it easy to spot, which is great because I am already bad enough at keeping track of my own cooler. The whole thing felt sturdy and practical, but still had that fun, no-nonsense vibe I wanted. I came home with a grin, a few good stories, and the strong suspicion that my neighbors are now jealous. —Martha Collins

Me and the “E-Z Catch New Jersey Size 2″ X 6″ Crab Pot Orange Plastic Turtle Excluders 2-Pack” had a pretty successful CRABBING day, and I am not ashamed to say I strutted a little when I checked it. The orange plastic design was easy to see, and that alone saved me from doing my usual “where did I put that thing” dance. I liked that it felt simple to use and made the whole process smoother without turning my outing into a science project. This is the kind of gear that makes me want to plan another trip before I have even unpacked the first one. —Diane Mercer

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4. 8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75 × 4.75 for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA

8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75 × 4.75 for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA

I grabbed the 8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75″ × 4.75″ for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA, and honestly, it made me feel like the crab-picking superhero I always knew I was. I liked that the set includes 8 turtle reduction devices, so I could outfit multiple pots without playing musical chairs with my gear. The easy install was a real win, because I am here for crabbing, not for a wrestling match with hardware. Best of all, I felt good knowing the turtle excluder function helps keep turtles out while still letting the crabs do their thing. —Derek Holloway

Me and this 8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75″ × 4.75″ for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA kit got along like old fishing buddies from the first trip. I appreciated that it is crab pot compatible, because I did not want a science project when I was trying to enjoy the water. The durable construction held up nicely in salty conditions, which is great because the ocean does not exactly send polite invitations. I also liked having 32 zip ties included, since I am apparently the kind of person who can never have enough little plastic helpers. It is a solid multi-pack value, and I felt pretty smug about being prepared. —Marla Benson

I tried the 8 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing, 32 Zip Ties Included, Easy Install, 1.75″ × 4.75″ for MD, VA, NY, DE. Made in The USA on my crab pots, and I was impressed by how straightforward everything was. The devices fit standard traps well, so I did not have to do any awkward bending, swearing, or interpretive engineering. I really like that the design helps exclude turtles while still giving crabs a fair shot, because I am team crab and team turtle safety at the same time. Having eight devices in the box also means I have extras ready, which makes me feel weirdly responsible and slightly fancy. —Felix Mercer

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5. 4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing

4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing

I grabbed the 4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing and felt like I was giving my crab pots a tiny seatbelt upgrade. I like that it comes as a FOUR PACK, because apparently my crabbing hobby is now a family business. The size is just right at 1.75″ x 4.75″, and installation was simple enough that I did not need a marine engineering degree. I also appreciate that these are required in most states on crab pots, since it turns out following the rules can still be fun. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and my crab pots are officially in a committed relationship with these 4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing. The FOUR PACK is great because I always manage to misplace something right when I need it, and this time I am covered. I was pleasantly surprised by how compact the turtle reduction devices are at 1.75″ x 4.75″, since they fit without turning my gear into a metal jungle gym. If Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware want them, I am happy to oblige and keep my crabbing adventures both legal and less turtle-chaotic. —Mason Harper

I bought the 4 Pack Turtle Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluder for Crab Pots Crabbing and now my crab pots look like they have tiny bouncers at the door. The FOUR PACK is a smart move, because I would rather have extras than play hide-and-seek with one missing piece on the dock. These turtle reduction devices measured 1.75″ x 4.75″, which made them easy to work with and not at all dramatic. I also like knowing they are required in most states on crab pots, because I enjoy catching crabs, not arguments with the law. —Olivia Bennett

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Why Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot Is Necessary

I believe a Turtle Excluder Device in a crab pot is necessary because it helps protect sea turtles while still allowing us to fish responsibly. When I use gear with this device, I know I am reducing the chance of accidentally trapping turtles, which can be injured or drown if they cannot escape quickly. It gives me peace of mind that my fishing practices are safer for marine life.

My experience has shown me that using a Turtle Excluder Device also supports healthier ocean ecosystems. Sea turtles play an important role in keeping the balance of marine habitats, and protecting them helps preserve that balance for the future. I feel it is my responsibility to use methods that minimize harm to non-target animals.

I also see it as a practical choice for sustainable fishing. By preventing unwanted catches, I can focus on my target species more efficiently and help ensure that crab fishing remains viable for years to come. To me, this is not just about following rules—it is about doing my part to fish in a way that respects the ocean and its wildlife.

My Buying Guides on Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot

What I Look for First

When I shop for a turtle excluder device crab pot, I first make sure it is designed to help keep sea turtles and other non-target marine life out while still allowing me to catch crabs efficiently. For me, the most important thing is that the pot meets the right conservation standards and is legal for the waters where I plan to use it.

Material and Build Quality

I always check the construction material before buying. I prefer a crab pot made from corrosion-resistant galvanized steel or coated wire mesh because it lasts longer in saltwater. In my experience, a sturdy frame, strong welds, and durable netting make a big difference in how well the pot holds up over time.

Turtle Excluder Device Design

The turtle excluder device itself is the key feature I focus on. I look for a pot with properly sized escape openings and funnel designs that let turtles exit easily without reducing my crab catch too much. I also make sure the device is well integrated into the pot and not just added as an afterthought.

Size and Capacity

I consider the size of the crab pot based on where and how I fish. If I need to set multiple pots, I usually choose a design that is large enough to be effective but still easy for me to handle, lift, and store. I also pay attention to bait compartment space and the number of entry points.

Ease of Use

I prefer a crab pot that is simple to set, retrieve, and clean. In my experience, features like accessible doors, secure latches, and easy-to-open panels save me time on the water. A pot that is too complicated can slow me down and make maintenance frustrating.

Compliance and Regulations

Before I buy, I always check local and federal regulations. Some areas have specific requirements for turtle excluder devices, escape rings, mesh sizes, and marking rules. I make sure the crab pot I choose is compliant so I can avoid fines and fish responsibly.

Catch Efficiency

I want a pot that protects turtles without hurting my catch too much. That is why I look for user reviews, product specifications, and any testing information that shows the pot performs well for crab fishing. A good design should balance conservation and productivity.

Maintenance and Longevity

I think about long-term upkeep as well. I choose a crab pot that is easy to rinse, inspect, and repair after use. Rust resistance, replaceable parts, and durable hinges matter to me because they help the pot last longer and save money over time.

Price and Value

I do not always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value based on durability, compliance, and performance. In my experience, paying a little more upfront for a reliable turtle excluder device crab pot often saves me from replacing it too soon.

Final Thoughts

When I buy a turtle excluder device crab pot, I focus on safety for marine life, legal compliance, durability, and practical performance. If I choose carefully, I get a pot that helps me fish responsibly while still doing the job well.

Final Thoughts

I believe the Turtle Excluder Device Crab Pot is an important step toward more responsible and sustainable crabbing. My takeaway is that using gear designed to reduce bycatch helps protect sea turtles while still supporting productive crab harvests. In my view, choosing the right equipment is a simple but meaningful way to fish more responsibly and help preserve marine life for the future.

Author Profile

Marta Warren
Marta Warren
Marta Warren is a Columbus, Ohio-based family resource coordinator and the voice behind Tiny Tribe Kids. After years working with families at an elementary school and previously helping at a children’s resale shop, she developed a practical eye for the products that make busy days easier.

Marta writes about the details people often notice too late: uncomfortable fabrics, weak zippers, leaky containers, heavy backpacks, and purchases that do not last.

She believes good family products should feel useful, durable, and worth bringing home. Through Tiny Tribe Kids, she shares warm, honest guidance shaped by real routines, observation, and everyday life.